From left to right: Opal card, Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick, in “Kiss of Life”, Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner, L’Oreal Super Liner Smokissime and Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm. Source: Supplied.
I’d love for you to believe that I apply my makeup in front of a mirror ringed with lightbulbs, sitting calmly on a cushioned stool as I use a giant, fluffy powder puff all over my face. In this illusion, I wake up exactly one hour before I leave the house, and manage to eat, exercise, put my hair in hot rollers and do a complete face of makeup, all before 7:30am.
Related: 8 reasons why you don’t have to be a “morning person” when it comes to exercise.
None of this is true, because I’m a real person, and I often apply my makeup just before stepping off the train in the mornings.
So believe me when I say that these six products are lifesavers when it comes to applying makeup on the go. They require minimal muss or fuss, are easy to apply and best of all, will make you look a million bucks.
1. L’Oreal Super Liner Smokissime, $17.95 (released July 2015).
If you hate juggling an eyeshadow compact, mirror and brush, then this is the product for you. It’s a chubby, pen-style eyeshadow applicator, with the eyeshadow stored in the pen lid. This means that every time you unscrew the cap, the applicator comes pre-loaded with the eyeshadow.
I love using the Black and Taupe shades to create the fastest, easiest smoky eye this side of Central station. Tip: Tap on the Smokissime eyeshadow, to prevent powder dropping onto your face.
Check out Jacqui Porter's no-fail concealer trick. (Post continues after gallery.)
The under eye concealer that will change your sleep deprived self.
2. Liz Jones Makeup Kits, $94.90.
Aussie makeup artist to the stars, Liz Jones, has created her makeup kits for women like me, who chuck their makeup in their bags and apply it on the run. She’s made three ultra high quality makeup kits, each designed to paint the perfect face: Bronze Face, Daytime Face and Smokey Eye.
Related: I did my own makeup on my wedding day, and I survived.
The kits contain everything you need – for example, the Daytime Face kit (which our editor, Edwina, loves) contains two neutral eyeshadows, blush, lip gloss, concealer, an eye pencil, mascara, applicators and a huge-ass mirror. And it’s all stored in a heavy-duty, ergonomic case, which won’t bust open in your bag and make your keys go all gooey…
3. Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm, $17.95.
This tinted balm has such a sheer, soft colour that I often apply it while I’m walking down the street. It’s foolproof. But don’t get me wrong, this isn’t some wussy balm that says it’s coloured when it’s actually just clear.
The Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm has a smooth, visible colour, which builds intensity with each layer. I particularly love the Refined Rose colour, which is the perfect pale pink to complement a smokey eye.
Have you tried "strobing"? It's the new all-highlighter trend. (Post continues after gallery.)
Strobing on Instagram
4. Covergirl Perfect Blend Eyeliner, $12.95.
I bought this eyeliner from a supermarket one day, and never looked back. It’s super blendable – it even has a built-in blending tool - but it’s also not too smudgey. If you’re like me, and find that inferior eyeliners will smear under your eyes in a matter of seconds, then you, too, will fall in love with this product.
Related: “The $11 liquid eyeliner my wing tips and I couldn’t live without.”
The best thing about this eyeliner is that it's super cheap, so if you drop the eyeliner point down on the floor of the train, well, it won’t hurt if you buy another one. Because this always happens to me.
5. Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow, $11.95.
Swipe on this non-creasing cream gel shadow on with your fingers, and wham, your eyelids are instantly more interesting, and you’re good to go. The Bad to the Bronze shade is neutral, shimmering and impossible to stuff up.
And rumour has it that this a close match to the more expensive MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot, which is good news for your wallet.
Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick, in "Kiss of Life", $12.95.
This tomato-red, matte lipstick applies smoothly and easily, and yet also withstands a few correcting wipes with a finger here and there.
Because putting on lipstick on public transport is rarely straightforward, what with all the random jolts and bumps. Once you’ve got this lipstick on, it’ll stay for hours on end, without feeling uncomfortable. If you believe the rumours, it’s a similar colour to MAC’s famous Ruby Woo lipstick, at a fraction of the price.
Related: The pros and cons of public transport makeupping.
Do you apply your makeup on the go? Got any product recommendations?
